Musician Thomas Powers, former frontman of The Naked And Famous, has announced the upcoming release of his debut solo album, titled ‘A Tyrant Crying In Private’. The album is set to be released on 21 May and features the sombre new single ‘Empty Voices’. The track features acclaimed musician Julien Baker and explores the subject of social media volatility and outrage culture. Powers has spoken about the theme of the song, saying “Social media encourages impulsivity and rewards volatility: if it enrages, it engages. But often, the voices worth listening to are not the loudest – they are careful, measured, and contemplative.”
Powers explained that he reached out to Baker during lockdown and was honoured when she agreed to contribute to the track. The two recorded remotely, with Baker laying down her parts and some additional harmonies in the studio. Powers described how the experience of recording during the pandemic inspired him to take on the project. He said, “Bits and pieces of this record had been sitting around in my archives for as long as I’ve been working on The Naked And Famous…but the first fully realized song was “Li.” When I finished that demo, I knew I’d found my center – my sound. The band was on hiatus, and it was the first lockdown of 2020, so I thought, ‘If not now, when?!'”
The upcoming album has been described by Powers as “unapologetically me” and has been influenced by a range of genres, from electronic to neo-classical. Powers has remained busy following The Naked And Famous’ hiatus, and his bandmate, Alisa Xayalith, recently debuted her solo single ‘High Fidelity’.
Empty Voices provokes thought and discussion surrounding the volatility of social media and the importance of measured, well-considered dialogue. The raw emotion conveyed in the lyrics, together with the stunning performances, highlights the depth of musicality of Powers and Baker and shows a successful collaboration between two truly talented musicians
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